1975: The Superdome opens in New Orleans

The Superdome was a long time coming. As New Orleans lobbied for a football team, one impediment made itself clear: weather. After visiting the Astrodome, delegates from New Orleans left determined to outdo Houston.

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Enclosing the field would not only eliminate weather-related cancellations, it also would open up the space for other events. While other domed arenas of the era have long been demolished, the Superdome continues to shine.

Pro football proponent Dave Dixon was instrumental in getting the Dome built. In a 1966 newspaper column, Dixon mentioned the variety of events that could be held at the Superdome: "The New Orleans area economy will benefit not only from football but from all activities in this community-use stadium: cultural attractions, entertainment spectacles, huge conventions, industrial fairs, religious convocations, giant livestock exhibitions, basketball, baseball, horse shows, Mardi Gras events."

In August, 1975, an estimated 45,000 people poured through the gates during a Superdome open house. The structure was designed by architectural firm Curtis and Davis and cost an estimated $134 million to build the world’s largest fixed dome.

The Superdome recently underwent an $85 million renovation to modernize the complex and install an LED lighting system, which will illuminate the Dome every night as it did for the 1997 and 2002 Super Bowls.